Oh Hey, Art Lovers!

The Hickory Metro is full of color, creativity, and community pride. From handcrafted furniture to sidewalk murals, symphony nights to improv laughs—this place makes things happen. Here’s your art-filled day in Hickory!


☕️ Coffee with a Creative Twist

Taste Full Beans Coffee, Tea, and Cafe – Start your day surrounded by creativity and caffeine. This locally loved café doubles as a rotating art gallery, featuring works by regional artists and poetry from one of the owners. Bonus: it’s super vegan- and gluten-free-friendly, so you’ll leave full and inspired.


🖼 Dive into Folk & Fine Art

Hickory Museum of Art – Located inside the SALT Block, this is North Carolina’s second-oldest art museum and a true local gem. Explore Southern folk art, rotating contemporary exhibitions, and family-friendly programs. Don’t miss the Art-o-Mat machine—yes, you can buy tiny original art from a vintage cigarette dispenser!


🎭 Curtain Up!


🎵 Tune In to the Local Beat

  • the hum – Our outdoor music venue in downtown Hickory, perfect for warm nights and local jams.

  • The Premier – An indoor venue packed with live music, arcade games, and fun for the whole crew.

  • Western Piedmont Symphony – For something classical, powerful, and goosebump-inducing, catch a live performance from this Grammy-nominated ensemble.


🎨 Make It a Mural Walk

Take a self-guided tour of the Hickory Metro’s colorful murals and public art. From alleyway surprises to bold building facades, our walls are a canvas of community expression.
👉 Click here for a full list of murals (and yes, your Insta feed will thank you).


🍸 Artsy Bites & Sips

FOURK – Cap off your day with dinner in a repurposed garage, complete with unconventional cocktails and a menu that’s as creative as it is craveable. It’s the perfect spot to toast a day of local discovery.


💡 Fun Fact

The Hickory Museum of Art began in 1944 with just a few paintings displayed in a library basement—now it houses over 1,500 works of art, including one of the largest collections of Southern folk art in the country.